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Okay ladies and gentlemen, I’m ready to tackle the question we’re all wondering: why are people so miserable during the Happiest Time of the Year? If you know me you know that I try to be done Christmas shopping early and hate to even go into stores after December 1st. With the amazing help of technology I don’t have to deal with the insanity this time of year but the question still begs to be asked. Is it because people need to find that perfect gift? Is it because they are spending way too much money, that in some cases they don’t have, to make their children, family, friends, happy? Is it because the holidays while bringing the good out of people also can remind them that they are in some cases? Obviously Christmas has become overly commercialized but people have we really forgotten the true meaning of Christmas?

Christmas isn’t about the one, five, fifteen, or fifty gifts under your tree on the big day. It is about how you treat your fellow human every other day of the year. And yes, while I as a parent my day has changed a bit as I would do anything to see a smile on my child’s face, I also have been trying to instill in her the idea of giving. Now she’s not four yet so the idea still needs flushing out but my point is she understands that it is important to help when you can. She understands that not everyone is as fortunate as she and many of her friends are. Will this stick with her the rest of her life? I sure as hell hope so. My goal isn’t to raise another entitled child that walks along this earth with their earbuds in, staring at their phone, feeling that they are owed something because they breathe. My goal is to raise a child who will start the toy drive in their school, who will ask to give up something that they have to put a smile on another child’s face and to help where she can.

So going back to my original question, why are people so miserable? Maybe it is because we don’t take the time to look into ourselves to see what will really make us happy this time of year? Remember you’re no good to everyone else if you’re not good with yourself. So as we get closer to Christmas and the end of the year, take a moment and reflect. What were some wins this year? What would you have done differently? Did you hug your loved ones enough? More importantly did you tell them that you loved them? Life can change in an instant, never leave anything unsaid. And when you encounter those miserable people, kill them with kindness.

A little ditty about Jack and Diane...no really in all seriousness I'm a daughter, sister, wife and mother. I'm a Greek-American, who has transplanted in Canada. As a first time mom I'm sharing some things as I go along.

A little ditty about Jack and Diane...no really in all seriousness I'm a daughter, sister, wife and mother. I'm a Greek-American, who has transplanted in Canada. As a first time mom I'm sharing some things as I go along.

Okay if you personally know me you know that I do my darnedest to Christmas shop throughout the year. I have no patience for what comes out of humanity in December and mostly after the 20th of December. The pushing, shoving, profanity spewing adults all trying to get the same parking spot, toy for their child, coffee so they can make it through the day. Regardless of if you celebrate Christmas or not, you’re dealing with this craziness, and Canadians are the nicer people. I am wondering if I’ve lost my American edge or I’m just getting older and realize it all doesn’t matter.

I know that tomorrow night and Thursday, I’ll have more photos than I can count on fingers, of people’s trees lined with gifts underneath. Then photos of jubilation on the faces of family members once they open those gifts. But really, truly, is that what we have become? What I ask myself is when was the last time these people put the phones down and had a real moment with their families? When did our lives have to become open books in order for us to get through the day? You might think I’m being judgmental and perhaps it is coming across that way but ladies and gentlemen, my wish for you this Christmas is to create real memories. Put the phones down, put the video apps away and capture the smile on your children’s faces. Ingrain that in your memory. Take a moment to smile at the people who are around the tree with you, you never know when it might be your last Christmas together. Leave the wrapping paper strewn on the floor and enjoy the hugs and kisses the morning gives you. And for my friends who are spending Christmas alone this year, know that in a house in the suburbs outside of Toronto, in Canada, as I drink my morning coffee on Thursday, I’ll be thinking of you and thanking God for bringing each of you into my life.

I leave you with my RDKism: “You never know when you might miss the actual moment because you’re too busy trying to prepare to capture a possible moment.”

A little ditty about Jack and Diane...no really in all seriousness I'm a daughter, sister, wife and mother. I'm a Greek-American, who has transplanted in Canada. As a first time mom I'm sharing some things as I go along.